Good afternoon,
I have a Vectra 1999 turbo diesel 2L. I love this car, but have had ongoing issues since I bought it, though nothing to stop me using it.
Problem 1:
Fuel problem? Intermittent problem, if the car is a little low on fuel (below the 10 lire mark), if I do not start the car for over 7 or 8 hours then, then I turn the key, the car starts but will not rev high, then eventually dies after about 5 seconds. The car then will not start. You can turn the car over until the battery dies. I then have to get someone to jump start me which normally takes about a minute or 2 of turning over until the engine finally starts to bite and eventually starts.
This problem seems to be worse if I park with the nose of the car facing UP-HILL. This is why I wonder if it is a fuel problem. i.e. it being forced back into the tank over the time period, i.e. trickles back. Is there supposed to be something that stops this happening that might be broken, a valve etc?
The symptoms exhibit them selves as if the engine is being flooded like with a petrol car, but it definitely not that. It almost looks like an immobilizer is kicking in after a few seconds, but the fact that it happens more when facing up hill, or with low fuel it is worse kind of negates that possibility.
Problem 2:
Last week, the engine light started to come on when I come to a stop at traffic lights, when I pull away, the light goes off? maybe fuel again? It only happens once the car has heated up. I thought it might be related to the problem 1. The car does feel a little sluggish when pulling away from the lights when the engine light is on.
I have noticed that when I start the Vectra, there is a RELAY in the passenger side foot well (as far as I can hear the location) that continually clicks for about 30 seconds after I start the car. I first thought it might be fuel cut-off? but it does not seem to make a difference to the cars working order
Sorry for the long description, but I thought if we get answers, the more keywords might help someone else find this solution.
I thank anyone who might be able to help
One person said I should change the fuel filter, what do you think?
Cheers
Dan
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just found this forum:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=35...0
and the final post said the following...
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Certain vauxhall diesel engines have bother starting in the morning,due to the leak off pipes going hard which enables air to be drawn in overnight.It sounds silly but have you tried a tow start? i've had to do this many a time after changing the fuel filter on the likes of the vaux zafira as it saves a load of cranking over,trying to draw the fuel up.Id try these simple things first,before investigating the fuel lines/electrics etc.
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maybe I should look into what these leak off pipes are and if an ammateur like me could do it...
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wow, just found another great one... cryptic subjects so i could not find them before... and my stupidity..
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=31848
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Problem 1
Almost certainly caused by leak in fuel hose/junction/ rubber priming bulb (if they have one) causing air leak in system.
Try pumping on the bulb before starting . If all ok, then you have confirmed this diagnosis.
Not a GM expert but recall the fuel return pipes leak and the general standard of rubberware not good so check all for leaks and pinholes.
madf
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that was a fast reply, thank you for your help...
just came accross this forum
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=31848
madness:
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More than likely it's the fuel return pipes from the injectors cracking and letting air into the system. VX will probably try and charge for changing injector seals as well but I never changed them. I finally learnt to replace the return pipes every 25k or thereabouts as a preventative measure. btw The local independant charged a fiver for the job.
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i have lived with this problem for half a year heehee... and i can fix it for a fiver in parts... got to love cars eh... certainly love these forums and the guys like you who reply to us amateurs
thank you
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i had a similar problem with a nissan i found the fuel filter valve seals leaking alowing fuel to return back to the tank, replaced fuel primer pump housing with new filter all ok.
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Check the leakoff pipes, they are connected between each injector.
On later diesels, GM changed the pipe to a thicker smooth pipe from the original fabric covered ones which only last a couple of years.
Vx Masterfit will charge about £35, but you can get some 3.2mm fuel pipe from a motor factor and just cut it to length to match the old pipes and replace them as a quick way of eliminating this possible cause.
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Well, I bought the actual vauxhall part at the weekend from local dealer, came as a long length of pipe that I have to cut to size. they actually supply the smooth pipe now rather than the cloth one. I have not fitted it yet, but it looks like there is already smooth stufrf fitted, but i suppose that could also be prone to the same issues but takes longer...
hopefully get a chance to fit it this week as I had the no-starting issue again on sunday doh!
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well, changed the pipes at the weekend, parked the car up hill (steep) for a real test, and the car failed... doh!!!!! however, the battery died after 3 turns so it was not a fair test. My local NEwry car parts shop has one in so i will get that on the way home tonight and see how we get on. The engine light is still coming on at idle when warm... might be time for another thread if the batter does not help.. i will check all other consumables out too.
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